Toro Canyon Home

Junipero Plaza

Las Casas Arrellanas

Serenity House

Mid-Century Modern

Polo Club House

Architects West/Allen Zimmer, AIA   Las Casas Arrellanas Santa Barbara, CA

This designated City Historic Landmark property was purchased for his home by architect Allen Zimmer, principal of Architects West, in 2002. Originally built in the 1840’s, the existing building is one of the best preserved examples of adobe construction of that period in Santa Barbara. Since its construction 150 years ago there were several additions to the original structure; however, through neglect, they had fallen into disrepair and required demolition. The challenge was to create a living space suited to contemporary needs while preserving and honoring the historic nature of the property.

One of the first additions to the adobe, built in the 1890’s, was wood framed with exterior shingle siding. To blend with this original addition the new additions incorporated the same exterior shingle siding material and pattern. After beginning the construction it was discovered that both the roof framing and the concrete floor of the existing adobe were unsound and needed to be demolished and replaced. In order to help pay for the cost of the entire restorations two free standing residences were constructed on the property. They were re-creations of the Spanish Colonial Revival style and sited so as to preserve the views of the adobe from the public right-of-way.

 

Photos by: Group One